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Justice must be served in 16-year old Moshoeu’s murder case – Premier Mahumapelo...

Coligny: Premier Supra Mahumapelo of the North West Province says since there is no confusion on whose hands Matlhomola Jonas Moshoeu lost his life, the court must take cognisance of this and accordingly deal with questions on how he was murdered. Premier Mahumapelo said this today, Sunday 07 May 2017, at a moving funeral service of Moshoeu, 16, which was held at Scotland informal settlement in Coligny near Lichtenburg, Ditsobotla Local Municipality.

Moshoeu who was a Grade 6 learner at Hakbokslaagte Primary School in Coligny, died on the 20th of April after allegedly being brutally assaulted by two local farmers, Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte, for apparently stealing sunflower from their field. The two accused have since been arrested and are facing a murder charge.

Addressing a funeral which was attended by scores of local residents, learners, teachers and the leadership of various community structures and political parties, Mahumapelo said it was high time the white compatriots end the practice of white superiority, cooperate with Africans and blacks, and ensure that the existing wealth is shared amongst the people.

“We need to unite and build a peaceful, prosperous province, which knows no discrimination. We need to work together and deal with the challenges of poverty, inequalities and unemployment”.

“While we support our communities for rising up against this monster of racism, I urge them to do so peacefully and jealously guard against the destruction of their property. I urge them to mobilise white people to join hands in the fight against racism and acts of criminality”, said Mahumapelo.

Mahumapelo said he will in the context of the fifth administration’s Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal (RHR) programme, call a meeting with the white community in this area, to discuss amongst other things, occupation of arable land and a collective effort to fight against acts of racism. Mahumapelo said this meeting will be convened towards the end of this month.

The Hakbokslaagte Primary School Principal, Thebe Sekoto, said while the school is still reeling from shock and pain following this incident, Moshoeu’s death should serve as motivation for parents to fully support and encourage their children to attend school.

He further urged residents to avoid mobilising school going youth to participate in the mass protest marches, saying this is disturbing learning and teaching, and affecting the learners’ future.

Premier Mahumapelo was joined by MECs for Education and Sport Development Sello Lehari, Dr Mpho Motlhabane of Community Safety and Transport Management, the Executive Mayor for Ngaka Modiri Molema District Cllr Justice Makolomakwa and Ditsobotla Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Daniel Buthelezi.

Present at the funeral service was also religious leaders, South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) and South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) provincial leadership.

Moshoeu’s death sparked violent protest by Coligny residents early last week, which resulted in the destruction of properties and looting of local shops.

Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte will appear before the Coligny magistrate’s court tomorrow, Monday, 08 May 2017 for bail application.